FOUR days is a long time in cricket as Bromyard wicketkeeper-batsman George Godsall can testify.

The 21-year-old opener had the despair of a first-ball duck in a nine-wicket midweek drubbing at Bewdley in the Worcestershire League Knockout Cup for second teams.

But Godsall returned to form with a superb 168 in Bromyard’s winning draw against Droitwich Spa at Flaggoners Green in the Worcestershire League Second XI Division One.

The right-hander clattered 19 fours and seven sixes in his 129-ball knock and shared an impressive 217-run opening stand with skipper Pete Whittenbury, who made 87.

The only disappointment for the Little Cowarne farm worker was Droitwich’s resilience to bat out for a draw, reaching 280-8 in reply to Bromyard’s imposing 357-5 from 50 overs.

Godsall’s batting efforts have earned him the accolade of Worcester News player of the week for which he wins a £25 Fearnley Factory Shop voucher.

Godsall paid tribute to skipper Whittenbury, who kept him calm and focussed throughout their opening stand.

“I felt good and I felt fit – I also benefited from an experienced player in Peter Whittenbury opening the innings with me,” said Godsall.

“He kept talking to me throughout and it made a huge difference. He’s an excellent captain to play for and gave me a lot of confidence when I was out in the middle.”

It was the second century of the season for Godsall, who hammered an unbeaten 104 from just 50 balls against Bredon seconds at the start of the campaign.

He said: “My innings of 168 is my highest score – I have had a couple of 120s but I played a lot more sensibly.

“I didn’t give any chances in my innings and it was the first time I have ever played a reverse sweep, which I hit for four.”

“I was a bit disappointed to get out with about 10 overs remaining. The ball didn’t bounce and it went under my bat.”

George’s dad Graham is Bromyard's vice-chairman and junior co-ordinator and was scoring the book for the second team during his son's career-best innings.

Graham said: “George enjoys the less formal atmosphere of second team cricket even though he’s capable of playing for the first team which he did for a few seasons.”

George has been with Bromyard since he was 10 years old and represented Herefordshire at under-17 level. He a level one-qualified coach.

George explained: “I started keeping wicket for Bromyard’s first team when I was 13 after Edd Oliver and Ash Bullock recognised me. I enjoyed it but I didn’t get a chance to bat.

“I am really enjoying my time in the seconds - I scored a few runs last season and I feel an important and valued member of the team.”